Sole-laying machine



May 27, 1924.

v 1,495.162 L A. CASGRAIN SOLE LAYING MACHINE Filed Apl il 4. 1919 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 27 1924.

ma a l-w May 27 1924.

L. A. CASGRAIN SOLE LAYING MACHINE Filed April 4. 1919 4 Shets-Sheet 5 May 27, 1924. 1,495,162

| A. CASGRAIN SOLE LAYiNG MACHINE Filed Anril 4, 1919 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented May 27, 1924s UNITED STATES PATENT oFFiee.

LOUIS A. CASGRAIN, OF BEVERLY, IVJIASSAGHUSETTS, AESIGNOJZ Tilt) lLllllITflllL MACHINERY CORPORATION, 013 PA'IERSON, NEW JEREGEY, A. COHJPDRATIUN (ll? JEREEY.

SOLE-LAYING MACHINE.

Application filed April 4,

To utl whom all; may cancer 1i:

lie it known that I, Louis A. CASGRAIN, a. citizen of the United States, residing at Beverly, in the county of Essex and State of ll l'assachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Sole-Laying Machines, of which the following description, in connection with. the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like reference characters on the drinvings indicating like parts in theseveral figures.

This invention relates to the manufacture of footwear and especially to the laying of the soles employed in rubber-sole boots and shoes.

The machine shown to exemplify the invention is especially designed for laying rub ber soles on shoes of the type or class which requires that the solesshall be laid While in an unvulcanized or green condition preparatory to their being permanently secured in place by vulcanization. The margins of the soles are usually beveled and the soles are of such area and shape that When the soles are completely laid their margins extend up partly over the sides of the shoe up per and are secured thereto by adhesion. .lfl. satisfactory Work is to be produced, it is essential that the marginal portions shall be. ui'iitormly upturned and conform to a predetermined pattern or style of shoes; also that all portions of a sole shall be in proper adhesive connection with the upper and insole With no air space which would later cause defective vulcanization.

When, as has heretofore been customary, rubber soles are laid by hand, the Worker positions the sole upon the adhesively coated surface portions of a lasted shoe bottom and. by operating a rather heavy hand roller back and forth over the sole conforms it well as he can to the contour of the shoe bottom and then runs the roller back and forth over the niiarginal portions to force them into adhesion with the sides or the upper adjacent to the shoe bottom. v

'lhis method requires great care and skill in first positioning the sole and shoe bottom to provide properly extending marginal portions of the sole to be afterward rolled up the sides, and then requires not only skill but laborious eliiort to bring all marginal portions into proper adhesion.

1919. Serial No. 287,516.

It is essential to satisfactory Work, as well as to the attainment of the maximum. out.- put capacity Without sacrilice of ualit-v, that provision be made for initially 1')osition ing the sole and shoe bottom relatively to each other accurately and readily, as well as for maitaining these parts in such proper relative position during the sole laying and subsequent vulcanization. The dilliiculty o'l providing adequately for accontiplishing these results is greatly increased by the considerable variations in size and shape of different shoes. It, for example, sole laying pads or pressure members are large enough to accommodate extreme sizes, they may be open to the disadvantage of failing to pro vide for accurate location and retention oi the parts when the shoes are of the smallersizes.

In view of these and other similar considerations, an important object of the present invention is to provide a machineorgan lZdtlOll by the use of Which the initial relative positioning of the shoes and soles will be facilitated, at the same time insuring against subsequent displacement. In accordance with this object of the invent-ion, the illustrated machine comprises a presser, last holding means, and member having a sole-gag ing opening, said member being also preterably provided with last guidesl In the vulcanizing process to which rub her-sole shoes are subjected. the action ol the heat first somewhat softens the rubber of the sole and also the purer rubber of the cement customarily employed so that it the rubber sole has been stretched when laid, its tendency to contract will cause it to slip more or less during said softening step of the vulcanizing process and prevent proper joining oi the parts in the con'lpleted shoe.

A particular object of my present iuveu-- tion is to provide a machine which will lirm ly and uniformly lay rubber soles without such stretching as will cause them to contract and slip relatively to the shoe bottom While being vulcanized.

Sole laying machines have been proposed, employing an elastic g'rth or diaphragm or pad backed by air or liquid under continement or under variable pressure; but so tar as I am aware no practical machine o'l. this character or type has been produced which.

lllll is capable of use for laying soles of all sizes. In accordance with another in'iportant feature of my invention. the illustrated machine comprises a pad Which, laterally, is normal- 1y flat so that any size of sole and lasted shoe parts can be assembled thereon in proper relative positions. For the purpose of simplifying the operation of the machine and expediting production, and in accordance with an important feature of my in vention, the illustrated machine provides a yieldable pad or presser and movable last holding means in opposition to the pad or presser, and fluid operated means for relatively ope-rating these two members to secure proper adhesion of the sole and shoe parts. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the illustrated machine is organized first to actuate the shoe and? sole to a predetermined position, the pad yielding, and then to force the pad to act first against the sole to press it against the shoe bottom and then. roll the marginal portions of the sole up and inwardly against the sides of the shoe adjacent the shoe bottom.

To avoid stretching the sole it is desirable that all laying pressure shall be, as nearly as possible, perpendicular to the surface of the shoe bottom and to the side ad jacent the shoe bottom. In accordance with another important feature of my invention the direction of laying pressure is translated from an upward one against and past the shoe bottom to an inward one directly againstthe sides of the shoe parts adjacent the bottom. As illustrated this is effected by providing a narrow marginal space or area around the shoe bottom and conforming to the contour of the sole surface, whereby the operative portion oil the laying pad which is to act finally on the marginal portions of the sole is limited to a relatively narrow strip conforming to the shape and size of the particular sole to be laid.

As lasts vary in height, considerable time is necessarily spent in adjusting the heretofore known machines to compensate for such variations. Another particular feature of my invention resides in the provi sion of last holding or last locating devices which automatically accommodate themselves to varying heights of lasts so that when the laying operation begins the last and located sole will always occupy a certain position relatively to the means for exerting pressure regardless ot'such varia tions of last heights, thereby securing unitonnity of product.

Machines for laying soles have been proposed. such machines employing a pad hav ing a backing of air or acertain quantity of water in. a receptacle with an air cushion between the water and the pad. With such machines, Whether employing part liquid and part air, or all air, a greater length of time for operation, or of power to opcrate is required because the air must be con)- presscd to a certain point to gct; proper laying pressure. Such comprcsscd air would then have to leave the box o container in order to reduce the air prcssurc to permit the pad to return to normal position or condition.

In accordance with another important feature of my invention, the illustrated machine comprises an elastic pad which is backed solidly by a liquid with no air cushion whatever, whercby it is only necessary to displace a very small portion of liquid to attain the desired pressure.

In such sole laying machines as have heretofore been proposed so far as I am aware, no means have been provided for accurately co-ordinating a sole of a known shape or size with the proper last to go with such sole. In :wcordancc with another important feature of my invention, the illustrated machine comprises a novel organization of means whereby no change what ever in the operating elements of the machine is required to enable it to opcratc in connection with different sizes or shapcs of shoes. As shown, by the substitution oi one soleand-last guiding member for another. in a location adjacent to the laying pad, the one machine will take care of all sizcs and shapes oi tootwcar. By n'oviding such last-guiding members with numbcrs to correspond with the nmnbcrs on lasts. I avoid liability of assembling unmatched soles and uppers.

To enable the operator to assemble the sole and shoe in their proper relative positions and then cause the machine to ctlcct. laying pressure. without disturbing said relative positions, the illustrated machine embodies a flexible pad presenting an upper surface, as best indicated by comparing Figs. 2, 8 and f). to enable the operator tirst to place the sole on the pad and thcn t place the shoe with its bottom taco on the sole in proper position relatively thcrcto. To enable the operator to see what he is doing when so assembling the sole and shoe, the jack en'iplovcd for holding the shoe is automatically held in laterally displaccd position during such assembly but is shifted to holding position above the pad before the machine operates to etl'cct' the laying pressure which operation o't the machine occurs while the sole and shoe remain in the undisturbed positions of first asscmbly on the pad.

Other objects and features of the invention. will become tlpPiHODt from the following description when considered in connection with the accon'ipanying drawings in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation. partly broken out or in section, of the main portions of:

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the machine in their normal or idle positions.

Fig. 2 represents a section on line 2-2 of Fig. 1, but showing a step during the operation of the machine, the upper part of the frame being omitted.

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation of a portion of the machine.

Fig. at represents a section through one of the valve mechanisn'is for controlling the hydraulic operation of the machine.

Fig. 5 represents a section through the treadle arresting stop.

Fig. 6 is a detail view of devices which co-operate with the stop shown in Fig 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the sole locating plate.

Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 are transverse sectional views through the pressure box, illustrating successive steps in the operation of the machine.

Fig. 12 is a perspective diagram of the hydraulic devices and conduits.

A. suitable frame for the machine is par tially illustrated at 15, said frame having a shelf or ledge portion 16 to support a strong liquid container or chamber 17 which, for the sake of brevity of description will be hereinafter referred to as the box. To provide for securing the box 17 in proper operative position and yet permit it to be removed, devices such as shown in Fig. 2 may be employed, each of said devices comprising a lug 18 of the box extending into a recess 19 in the shelf 16 and held by a screw 20.

Secured to the top of the box 17 is a sole-receiving pad or diaphragm 21. of resilient elastic material such as rubber, which may be reinforced if desired, the marginal edges of said pad being clamped between the flange 22 of the box and a rim corresponding in outline with. the top surface of said flange, the clamping being effected by any suitable means such as screws as indicated in Fig. 2.

Portions of the clamping rim 28 are formed 8 to 11 inclusive) to present guide lugs for the edges of a curved sole-locating plate 25, said plate having two soleshaped openings 26, one for a right sole and the other for a left sole. Adjustably n'iounted on the plate 2." and preferably slightly overlapping each opening 26 are lastguiding lugs 27, one of said lugs being at the toe of each opening and two or more along one side of said opening. The plate 25 as shown in Fig. 7 is formed with two shallow recesses 28 near one margin of the plate and properly located to co-act with a spring-actuated keeper in a casing 29 (Fig. 2) said casing and the keeper being mounted on a portion of the clamping rim 23 in such position that the plate 25 will be quite firmly held in its proper longitudinal position with one or the other of the two openings 26 in accurate location above the tleai ble pad 21. Since the guide plate 25 slidable in the direction of its length and easily removable, one of such plates can be cl'ianged for another according to the size of shoe and sole to be operated upon. It is curved in order to conform approximately to the longitudinal curve of a shoe bottom. Fin". 2 does not show the plate for its full length for lack of room on the sheet, but it will be readily understood by comparing Figs. 1, 2 and 7 that the plate can be readily shifted to bring either one of its openings to proper position. so that a sole having the shape of the opening 26 which is above the pressure pad 21 can be easily properly located upon said pad without requiring any special care upon the part of the operator. By having a number of the plates 25 with different sizes or shapes of sole openings 26 cut for rights and lefts, there will be no possibility of misinating the work. It is desirable to explain here that it is customary in the inamifacture of rubber sole footwear to finish a lot containii'lg an equal number of rights and lefts. The plate 25 that is being used for the lot can either be shifted along alternately from position for rights and lefts or it can be leftin one position until all the rights are finished and then shifted to position for finisl'iing all of the lofts in any particular lot. If the plates 25 were not duplicates as to their openings 26 as just described or, in other words, if :1.

plate having but a single opening should be employed, it might result in getting the wrong sizes of rights and lofts mixed in a lot. Moreover, it requires less time to shift a duplex plate 25 so that one or the other of its openings 26 will be above the pad than would be required to remove one plate and insert another.

Since the sole laying pressure is obtained by varying the volume of a mobile inelastic substance such as water in the box 17 so that the pad 21 varies as to its height relatively to the plate 25, it is desirable to render it certain that there shall be no liability of so placing a sole through an opening 26 that an edge portion of such sole could, when laying pressure applied, pinched be tween the pad and the plate. In other words, it is desirable to render it certain that no portion of a sole when being litted through an opening 26 can he slipped under any portion of the plate 25. To e'li ect this, I provide means for normally holding the pad 21 close against the under surface of plate as best illustrated in Figs. 2, 8 and 9. For this purpose I provide a pad supporting plate 30 which has approximately the same longitudinal curvature as the plate 25, said plate 30 being mounted on springs 31 inside of the box 17, and preferably havlUO ing apertures so that vertical movements of the plate 30 shall not be interfered with by reason of the water or equivalent substance in the box 17. The heel portion of the plate 30 is divided and its two portions extend past a block 32 secured in the box 17 in such location as to limit downward movement of the heel. of the sole and last. The springs 31 normally tend to press the plate 30 up wardly far enough to render it certain that the pad 21 will be brought close up against the under surface of the marginal portion of the plate 25 around the opening 26 as soon as the sole laying operation has been completed and the last and shoe removed from the machine.

The upper portion of the frame 15 is divided and formed with two downwardly extending arms (Figs. 1 and 2), each formed with a slot 34, the lower portion of which is vertical, while the upper portion extends rearwardly at an angle to the lower portion. Extending across the divided up per portion of the frame 15 is a pin 35, said pin being secured firmly by binding screws 36. Mounted to turn on the pin 35 is the hub 37 of a casting the lower portion of which casting is formed as a hollow arm 38, the upper portion of the casting being formed with a port 39, said port communicating with the space in the hollow arm 38 by channels formed in the hub 37 as incheated by dotted lines in Fig. 2. Fitted to slide vertically on the hollow arm 38 is a cylindrical member 40,- a suitable packing ring 41 being provided to prevent escape of liquid between these two telescopically sliding members of the arm. In order to cause the two part arm 38, 40 to swing on the pin 35 when it elongates, the member l9 is provided with rolls 42 entering the slots 34 of the frame arms 33. )Vhen liquid is "forced into and withdrawn from the extensible arm 38, 40 by the means and other connections hereinafter described, the arm 38, 40 is first elongated and then shortened. The first movement of elongation causes rolls to ride along the inclines of the slots 3st of the frame arms 33, so as to swing the telescopic arm from the normal or idle position in Fig. 1 out to a vertical position so that the jack posts carried thereby and pres ently described will be brought over a manually located last, and further movement will then lower said posts and depress the last. \Vhen hydraulic pressure within the extensible swinging arm is released, the arm is shortened and returns to the Fig. 1 position under the influence of a spring 43 (Fig. 2) within the telescopic arm.

A plug 44 may be employed to provide for drainage when desired.

The lower end of the member 40 is formed or provided with lateral arms 45 adjustably carrying a toe post 46 and a heel post 47 and serving as the jack for supporting the work against the sole laying pressure of pad 21.

The inlet to port 39 is indicated at 4.8 in Fig. 2. By means of a coupling 49 (Fig. 1) it is connected to a pipe 56. The liquid inlet 51 leading to the box 17 (Fig. 1) is connected by a coupling 52 with a pipe 53 (Fig. 12) the other end of which is connected to the valve casing 54:, the details of the mechanism contained in said valve casing being shown in Fig. 4. Mounted in a cylindrical internal portion of the valve casing 51 is a piston 55 having a certral guidcway for the stem 56 of a valve 57. Said piston is preferably hollow to avoid undue weight. The valve casing has a portion 58 vertically bored to provide a bearing for the stem 59 of a valve 60. A chamber 61 is provided above the valve 60, the space below said valve forming a cl amber 62. lilxtending transversely of the chamber 62 is a rockshaft 63 having a yoke or spaced arms 6-1 adapted to alternately engage a lug 65 at the lower end of the valve stem 56, said rockshatt also having a yoke or spaced arms 66 adapted to alternately engage a lug 67 of the valve stem 59.

The rockshaft 63 extends through the wall of the valve casing and outside of said valve casing carries three arms 68, 69 and 70, as best illustrated in Fig. 3. The longer arm 68 is connected by means of a spring 71 with a fixed pin 72 so mounted and located that said spring will tend to hold the arm 68 and consequently the rockshaft 62 in either one of two positions according to whether a line from pin 72 to the end oi arm 68 would pass one side or the other of a line connecting the axis of the pin 7 with the axis of the rockshaft 63.

A bracket 73, Fig. l, secured to the frame supports the casing 74: of a three-way valve 78 having a central space and two ports 75, 76, the casing having three ports ('(Hl'Hllllllieating with the pipes presently described. The stem 79 of: the three-way valve (dotted lines Fig. 6) has secured thereto a toothed segment. 86 meshing with rack teeth 81. at the upper end of a vertically n'u able rod 82 the lower end oi? which (Fig. l) is pivotally connected at 63 to a treadle or foot lever Set, a spring 65 being employed to nor-- mally hold the rod 82 in its lower position shown in Fig. ,1.

From the upper end of the valve casing 74 a pipe 86 leads to a suitable point of discharge such as pipe 122 indicated in Fig. 12, which may lead to any drain. A pipe 87 connects the lower portion of the valve casing 74 with the valve casing 51 (Fig. The outlet 98 of casing 54 is connected by a pipe 89 (Figs. 1 and .12) with the drain or escape pipe, through the medium of a water column hereinafter described. A

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pipe connects the pipe 87 (Figs. 1 and 3) with a casing 91 which contains a float 92 having a valve 93 :ulapted to co-operate with the valve seat 94-. in controlling the supply oi. water to pipe 00 and the machine as here ina'lter described. Suitable insane for ad justing the height to which the float 92 can rise will be employed, such means being illustrated as comprising a screw 95. The upper end oi the casing 91 is connected by a pipe 90 with a source 01 supply of liquid under pressure such as a water main of any system furnishing hydraulic pressure.

Secured to the stem 79 of the three-way valve is a segment 97 (liigs. 1 and 6) adapted. to co-operate as hereinafter described with a stop pin 98 projecting from a plunger or piston 99, Fig. 5, mounted in a cylinder 100, a spring 101 being employed to normally hold the stop pin 98 projected. A port 102 of the casing is connected by a pipe 103 with the pipe 50 (Figs. 1 and A. bracket 10% secured to the frame 15 (l ig. 3) has pivoted thereto a strut arm 105 having a shoulder 106 at its upper end, a spring 107 being connected to the arm 105 to hold. the latter normally in contact with a lug 108 projecting from the bracket 10S) clamped to the rod 82 so as to be vertically movable with said rod when the treadle is actuatinl. The bracket 10!) carries a plate 110 having a tooth 111 adapted to engage the hooked end 112 of an arm 11?) which is pivoted to the arm 70 of rock.- shaft (33 so that when the rod 82 moves up wardly far enough to cause the tooth 111 to engage the hook 119, the rockshaft 63 will be actuated from the position indicated in Fig. 3 to shift the parts which are carried by said rockshatt to the position indicated in Fig. 4c, the tooth 111 finally passing up and out of engagement with the hook 112 so as to pcri'nit the roclr shaft 63 to be returned to normal position. at a time and in a manner which will presently be de scribed.

When the rod 82 first moves up to the limit prescribed by stop pin 98, the tooth 111 carried by said rod does not quite reach the hoolr 112 oi? arm 1153, although said arm is swung up nearly to upright position, and no rocking of shaft 63 is effected. Upon further upward movcniient of the rod however, the tooth 111 acts upon hooked arm 1.13 to effect rocking of shaft 053 to open valve 57 as has been described above.

The arm 113 has a heel 114: adapted to contact with a stop pin 115 projecting from v: l ve casing 5 1-, and a spring 110 connects a pin 117' of arm 113 with the end of arm. (39. Said pin 1.15 and a similar one below it indicated. by dotted lines (Fig. 3) limit the swinging o1 hools'; arm 113. An arm 118 3 and (l) adjustably secured to treadle rod 82 has an upright tip to co-act with the end of arm 68 of rockshatt 63, and the strut arm 105 has a heel 119 to co act with the end of arm 68 of said rocksha'llt, both of which co-actions will now be described.

When the arm 68 of the valve actuating rockshatt 63 swings to the right from the Fig. 3 position, it passes above the heel 119 of strut 105 but so close to it that when, later, rod 82 has moved up and spring 107 has swung strut 105 so that the shoulder 100 of the latter engages lug 108, the end of said arm 68 is then in position to act on the top of said heel 119 when the arm swings back to the. Fig. 3 position. $uch action on the top of heel 119 depresses it and trips the strut away from lug 1(8 to permit the treadle rod to descend to the normal position, Fig. 3.

The purpose of the arm 11.8 of treadle rod 82 is to ensure retention of laying pressure under pad 21 if desired until said rod 82 is permitted by the operator to return to normal (lower) position. To appreciate this it is to be understood that before the rod 82 and its arm 118 reach uppermost position, the arm 68 of rockshaft 63 swings over to the right from the Fig. 3 position so that when said uppermost position is leached, the lip oi arm 118 is high enough (see Fig. *1) to prevent the arm 68 from swinging completely back until rod 82 is lowered. So long the operator holds the treadle down the end of arm 68 is hearing against the inside of the tip of arm 118, the roekshai't 63 is in an intermediate position and both Valves 57 (50 remain in the position shown in Fig. 1 and full laying pressure will be held until arm 68 is re leased when the pressure on piston 55 will rock shaft 68 completely. Then spring 71 throws arm 68 back to normal and valve (50 opens and permits escape oi. the surplus water which caused the laying pressure. It will therefore be understood that the arm 118, co acting with arm 68 described, iirorides for varying the length of laying pressure at the will of the operator because arm 11.8 releases arm 68 only when the treadle is released by the operator.

As indicated in F 3 and 12., a. water column or trap 120 comprising a pipe struc ture in the form of an inverted U has couplings 121 one of which connects with the pipe 89 and the other of which connects with the escape pipe to which latter the escape pipe 86 is connected. The couplings 12]. are so constructed as to permit the water column 120 to be inclined more or less from the vertical. This is because, as hereinafter explained, it is desirable that the water in the box 17 below the pad 21 shall be under such pressure under normal conditions that there will be no liability oi a partial. 'vaciunn lit existing in the box 17. In other words, the pad should always be supported by the water. The water column or trap, while permitting Water to flow out through it when the pad is depressed, and when the valve mechanism of Fig. 4 permits such flow, will always ensure water at sutficient height in the member of the column 120 which is nearest the pipe 89 to render it certain that an excess of water can not escape from the box and that no air can enter the box.

As shown in Fig. 2, one or more small screws 123 may be employed at such elevation in the walls of box 17 as to enable any accumulation of air in the box to be driven out. This is etliected by temporarily loosening such screw or screws until water begins to escape and then tightening the screws. It the box were to contain air be tween the liquid and the pad a greater volume of liquid and a greater length of time would be required to eliect the sole laying operation because at first some liquid would be required to compress the air before the pressure would be sutlicient to ei'lect the laying. Then, of course sufficient liquid would have to leave the box to permit such air to expand again to practically atmospheric pressure, before the pad would return to normal freedom of pressure to be ready for the next operation.

hen the machine is to be used, the operator, after seeing that the proper plate 25 is in place and that such plate is in such longitudinal position that the proper right or left opening 26 will be above the pad 21, takes the proper sole to fit that opening and drops it on to the pad 21 with the edge of the sole fitting said opening. Since the pad is held close to the plate 25 by the supporting plate 30, the sole can not be so placed that an edge portion thereof is under aportion of the locating plate 25. He then takes the proper last with the upper thereon and places it upon the sole, using the guide lugs 27 as a means for accurately locating the last and its upper relatively to the sole, this being illustrated in Fig. 9. These operations are quickly performed and render it certain, without requiring skill, that the last and the sole will be in proper relative position.

Preferably the openings 26 in the sole locating plate are each of them a little shorter than the length of the sole when the latter is flat so that the sole, when placed through the opening 26, will buckle up somewhat in the shank portion as at .22 in Fig. 2. Then when subsequent operations are performed and hydraulic pressure is exerted below the pad 21, the shank portion of the sole may be forced up to lit the shoe shank portion without causing such stretching of the shank portion of the sole as would later tend to separate it from the shoe bottom. This also provides for proper dislrilnnion ol' sole stock and avoids excessive roll or upturn ol toe and heel portions of the sole.

After locating the sole and sh as indicated 'in Fig. 5), the operator actuales the. treadle Set so as to raise the rod 82 as tar as the latter will go and then releases it. As the rod 82 rises the engagement of its toothed portion 81 with the toothed segment partially rotates the stem 79 of the three-way 'alve until the end ol' segment 5)? contacts with the pin 08. This partial rotation (it the stem ol' the three-way valve shifts the latter from, its normal position shown in Fig. '1 substantially a quarter turn so that the port To registers with the pipe 50 and the port 70 registers with the 'pipe 87. This permits a flow of water "from the chamber 91 through pipes and 87, valve port 70, valve 78. valve port 75, pipe 50, and pipe 35) to the extensible arm 38, 40. thereby causing the said extensible arm carrying the toe and heel posts to first swing from the Fig. l po sition over to a position above the last and shoe and then press the last and shoe down to substantially the position shown in Fig. 2. So long as the capacity of the extensible arm 38, 40 has not been reached. there can be no further movement of the foot treadle and the three-way valve because the stop pin 98 still remains in its projected position. hen, however, the heel of the shoe has caused sufficient depression of the pad to reach the top of block 32 (Fig. 2) so that the elongation of arm 38, 4-0 ceases.- the resulting increase of pressure in the extensible arm is sufiicient to cause an increase of pressure against the end oi: the piston or plunger 99 (Fig. to overcome the action of spring 101 and effect the retirement: of the pin 98. This movement of the pin 98 releases the segment arm 97 so that the operator can depress the loot trcadle further. such action lifting the rod 82 and swinging the face of segment 97 opposite the end ol pin 98 so that no reduction of pressure in the cylinder 100 can. result in the pin 98 becoming prematurely projected by spring 101.

hen the operator depresses the treadle fully as just stated and the rod rises, the three-way valve is given another substantially quarter turn to carry its ports 75, as to such positions that the conununication with pipes 50 and 86 is completely shut oil' and there 'an be neither any further supply of water to the extensible arm nor escape of water therefrom and therefore the toe and heel posts are practically locked in the position shown in Fig. 2.

Since the pipe 90 connects with the pipe 87 which latter also connects with the valve Tll ll l

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ing the operation of the valves in casing 54s,.

I will state that the reason tor en'iploying the chan'iber 91 and the tioat valve therein is to avoid the risk oi. any damage which might result it an excess of water could flow through the pipe 91 and to the mechanisnii beyond said pipe. Ii any one were to accideititally depress the treadle 8411 when no lasted shoe was in place on the pad, there would be a liability 01 the extensible swinging arm being elongated unduly, or such pressure might occur below the pad 21 as to burst the latter. The float 92 and its valve 9?) are to prevent an excess of water passing. A stop such as the screw 95 holds the float 92 from beyond a level which will perniiit the chamber 91 to contain, below the float, either just cnoi'lgh or perhaps a little more than enough. water to eii'ect a sole lay- .ing operation. Iii? the machine should be o .ierated with no last in place the low 01 water through the casing 91 being rapid will carry the float 92 down and seat the valve at 9% before any such excess of water can pass through the pipe 90 as to cause any danmge. lVhen the machine is properly operated. the float 92 will move downward. but not tiar enough to cause the valve 93 to seat at 9 1-. After the machine has operated far enough to use up the "water which has been below the float 92, the float 92 rises to a limit prescribed by stop 95 because said float does not lit the walls of the chamber 91 close ei'iough to prevent such rising.

lVhen the rod 82 has become tree to rise its full extent and does so rise to lock the jack under pressure as has been described. the tooth 111. engages the hook 112 and, through the arn'i 70 oil? rocleilnvlit 63, rocks the latter against the tension oi spring 71, Fig. finch n'ioven'ient of the rockshatt causes its arm 6F; to which the spring Tl (ainnectcd to pass to the right from the position shown in llig. 3. which new position is indicated in liig. 4:, said liig. 41: being a view looking in the opposite directioi'i "from Fig. Such movement of the rockshaft causes its lower arm (i l: (l1 ig. 4:) to engage the lug 65 off valve stem 56 and lift valve. 57. At the same time the upper arm 66 oi. the rz'ickshait acts upon the lug (i'i' oi? valve stem 59 to close valve 60, the rock shaft 63 and valves 57 and 60 being held in the position shown by the spring 71, although otherwise, as has been described. the rock shaft is free to return to its normal position. (F 3) since the hook 112 is now disengaged from the tooth 111. "Water at the pressure which it has in chamber 61, from pipes 90 and Si,

acts upon the piston 55 which latter bears upon the upper arm 64: of the rockshaitt. But said water pressure does not cause the piston 55 to effect a rocking ot the sha'lit ill rtlnrough said arm G-l: until the pressure hecomes suilicient to overcome the tendency oi? spring 71; to hold the-parts in the liig. 1 position. So long as the valve 5? is raised. water is free to pass throughthe pipe Iii-l into the be); 17 and exert upward pressure upon the pad 21 to shift the latter from the position shown in Figs. 2 and to that shown in Fig. 11, this ilesing of the pad carrying the niiarginal portions of the sole up around the margin of the lasted upper with a firm uniform pressure which pressure is localized and made efl'ective against the lower portions of the sides of the last by reason of the fact thatthe marginal portions of the pad can not be moved because of said marginal portions being held down by the sole locating plate 25. There is, of course, a slight space between the sides 01": the last and the edges of the opening 26 in the sole locating plate and this space deiines the area of the pad which can move under the influence of the pressure below the pad.

When the pressure in the box 17 has be- 1 come such as to finish the sole laying operation, that same pressure becomes such in the valve casing 54 as to cause the piston 55 to act upon the upper arm 6st of: the rockshaitt 63 to actuate said rocksha'lit until the arm 68 thereof shifts the lower end oi? the spring 71 over to the right from the Fig. 4: position or toward the position shown in Fig. 3. During the first part of the swingin move-- ment of the arm 68, its lower end strikes the heel 119 oi? the catch 105 and disengages the catch from engagement with the lug 1.08 which until this time has held the treadlo rod 82 in its uppermost position. It the operator has removed his foot from the treadle, and it is assumed that he has, the treadle rod at once descends, and the arm 1 de scends with it and has no eil'ect upon the operation oi the machine. The arm (38., alter having released the strut arm hi5, then continues its swinging movement (to the right as viewed in liig. l) carrying the rock sha'l t 3 with it. As the rocksha'l't so moves, the upper arm 64: thereof acts upon the lug ot the valve stem 56 to seat the valve 57 and at the same time the lower arm 6 oi? the rockshai t acts upon the lug 67 of: valve stem to open the valve (it). This, while preventing the adn'lission oi. any more water from pipe C7 into chamber 61, opens communication From said chamber 61 (and consequently from pipe 53 and box 17) to the chamber 62 from which water can pass through outlet 88 to pipe 89 and to the escape pipe 122 throliigh the water column 120, therel iy releasing the pressure in box 17 below the pad. Practically at the same time,

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llflfl pressure in the extensible swinging arm 38, 40, is released by the downward movement of the treadle rod 82 so that the spring as therein can collapse it and cause it and the heel and toe rests to return to normal position shown in Fig. 1, downward movement of said rod returning the three-way valve to the position of Fig. 1. Consequently the water which had passed into the extensible arm to effect locating operation is free to be expelled (due to the contraction of spring 43) through pipes 39 and and the valve ports 76, 7 5, and escape pipe 86.

The degree of solelaying pressure in box i7 is controlled by the spring 71 because the pressure accumulates until pressure on piston (Fig. 4) effects the beforedescribed throw or rocking of shaft 63 and the consequent operation of valves 57, 60. Therefore by employing a heavier or lighter spring, or adjusting its tension, so that more or less power will be required to throw over the arm 68 to which it is connected, any desired degree of sole-laying pressure may be provided for.

The operation of the machine which has been described above is the usual, one. the operator merely pressing the treadle down until the rod 82 has moved to its extreme upper position and then releasing the treadle. To repeat the description very briefly, the first part of the upward movement of the treadle rod 82 turns the valve 78 to permit water to flow into the extensible arm of the jack, which flow continues until considerable pressure is being exerted by the jack upon the lasted shoe and the pin 98 is moved out of the way of the rotatable segment 97. As soon as this happens, the second part of the upward movement of the tr'eadle rod 82 takes place. This second part turns the valve 78 further so as to cut off the supply of water to the jack the treadle rod being held in its uppermost position by reason of the engagen'ient of the catch with the lug 108. This second part of the upward movement of the treadle rod also acts to move the parts to the position shown in F 4: and thereby to permit water to flow through the pipe to the pad box. As soon as the pressure in the pad box rises to a degree suflicient to ()VOI'COI'HO the tension of the spring 71, the arm 68 is swung from the position of Fig. 4- to the position of Fig. 3, thereby releasing the strut arm 105, closing the valve 57 and opening the valve 60. At this time water is permitted to flow both from the extensible arm of the jack and from the pad box. It will be seen then that all the operator has to do is to locate the sole and the lasted shoe properly and then depress and release the treadle. All the rest of the operation of the machine is automatic. It may be explained that the purpose of the strut arm 105 is to ensurethat the treadle rod shall be held up so that the jack will be brought down and held down upon the top of the lasted shoe after the operator has removed his foot from the trcadlc.

Referring now to the function of the arm 118, if the opm'ator wishes for any reason so to operate the machine that the pressure upon the sole will be prolonged, he does not in'nnediately and fully release the treadlc as has been described above. Instead. he so manipulates the treadle as to arrest its upward movement (and consequently the downward movement of the treadle rod just after the strut arm 10:") has been disengaged from the lug 10S and the rod 82 has carried the lug down out of register with the shoulder 106. At this time the upturned end of the arm 118 is in the path of the lower end of the arm (38 and arrests the movement of said arm before the arm (A has closed the valve 57 and before the arm 63 has opened the valve 60. The full water pressure may thus be caused to act on the pad as long as the operator may desire and until he releases the t'readle, when the arm 68 is permitted to Swing to the position shown in Fig. 3 with the results which have been described above.

In practice the pad 21. is not normally under tension but is somewhat loose. it is held practically flat as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 owing to the upward pressure of the perforated plate 30 caused by the springs 31 (Fig. 2). Vhile in this flat but unstretched condition the sole (1, and last 7) are assembled in accurately guided relative positions (Fig. 9). During the assembly of the sole and the lasted shoe on the pad. the jack occupies a laterally displaced position such as indicated in Fig. l which represents the normal positions of the parts of the machine. The sole-and-shoe-supporting sur face of the pad is therefore normally exposed to enable the operator to watch his work and effect correct assembly of the parts, this being important when said parts carry an adhesive. Then. without disturbing the relative positions of the shoe and sole on the pad. the jack swings over to present the posts 4-6, 47 directly above the last, after which the laying pressure. begins. as described in connection with Figs. '11) and 11. The forcing of the last down to the Fig. 10 position resulting from the first movement of treadle 84, I call the locating operation because it carries the parts to position to prepare for the real sole laying operation. During movement from normal (Figs. 8 or 9) to locating (Fig. 10) positions the pad 21 is stretched little or none because of its not being taut normally. Therefore during the locating operation. although contact of the shoe bottom and sole starts at the longitudinal center and spreads laterally there is no such stretching of the pad as would cause it frictionally to effect a stretching of the sole. During this movement to located position there little or no opposition by the water below the pad l'iecause at this time the valve (Fig. l) open and Water can pass through pipe 53, casing 54:, and pipe 89 to the Water col umn 120. Then when the further or second operation of the treadle results in the admissionof water to the box below the pad and the forcing of the latter up (Fig. 11) there is so little oil the pad that can be flexed by the laying pressure that a rolling, pressure rather than any wiping action is effected upon the margin of the sole. The comparatively narrow area or strip of pad material that reaches from the sides of the last to the clamping rim 9-3 is all that can be flexed, and as the pressure flexes that strip, the portion thereof which continues to yield gradually lessens in width because its outer portion soon contacts with the under surface of plate 25 and is an rested by said plate. Continued pressure then simply turns the sole margin up and presses it inward or laterally against the up per andt'oxing carried by the last Without so stretching: the sole as to cause it to slip back later when being vulcanized. The plate 25 besides contrilmting, as has been explained above, to the rolling up and laying of" the marginal portion of the sole, serves also to lessen the liability of the diaphragm to burst.

The particular reasons for causing the machine to divide the complete operation into two steps instead of efiecting all by a single continuing operation are the followin 2- lra, vary in height and therefore, to avoid spendimg the time which would he re-- rpiired to be continually adjusting the hold ing means such as the posts 46, .157, it is advanlageous to employ a bottom port-ion oli every last to determine the position which the last shall have before the sole laying pressure begins. The block 352 in box 17 co-operates with the bottom of the heel portion of the last in producing this result. The telescopic arm 38, 4-0 has considerable extensibility to provide for varying height of lasts and can extend more or less, according to the height of a particular ast, betore contact is made with said block 32. As soon as this point is reached so that pressure in the telescopic arm increases and the. resulting back pressure causes stop pin 98 to retire, the second step of the operation comll'iences because the operators foot has been kept on. the tr-eadle with pressure enough to LOlHPlBtQ the elevation of rod 82 the moment that the retirement ot pin 955 permits it. The first or locating operation is not under heavy pressure because there is at that time little or no resistance to flex ing of the pad 21 since the outlet valve 60 in casing at is then open. lVhen this first step has been completed and the last locked in the Fig. 2 position as described, the second step, Which the effective laying operation hereinbett'ore described, begins.

While the invention has been illustrated. as embodied in a machine which makes use of a liquid and specifically of Water, it should be understood that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the use of any particular liquid or 'i'luid. And although the source of fluid under pressure in the illustrative machine is a Water main in which the jimn'iediate cause 0t pressure is commonly gravity, it should be understood that the particuilar source Oil supply of fluid under pressure, as Well as the particular means tor producing the pressure, is immaterial. and with regard to the position.- ing of the solo on the bottom of the lasted shoe, it should he understood that this operation may be carried out by hand in the manner which has long been commonly employed, it desired, instead of laying the sole upon the diaphragm and bringing the lasted shoe down upon it.

Certain teatures which have been de scribed above, including means for facilitating the proper locating ot a sole and shoe on a presser pad, and a jack or shoe sup port which is normally held in a position which Will not obstruct the operators view during the locating operation, are shown in a somewhat diflierent embodiment in my prior application Ser. No. 184,347, and are claimed broadly tl'lerein.

l'laving described my invention, what I claim isc- 1. A machine of the class described hav ing, in combination, a flexible presser, a jack for a lasted shoe movable toward and from the presser, and fluid-rnaerated means for first moving the jack iLOWtl rd the presser and for thereafter moving the presser to distend the presser.

2. In a machine for uniting shoe parts, a yicldable prcsser, a last support or jach movable toward and from the presser, and treadlecont rolled fluid operated means for operating both the jack and the presser.

3. In a machine for uniting shoe parts, a yieldable presser, a last support or jack movable toward and from the presser, and fluid operated means for operating first the jack and then the presser.

i. In a machine for uniting shoe parts, a yieldable presser, a last support or jack nimvable toward and from the presser, fluid operated means for locating the jack in a, predetermined position relatively to the prcsser, and means for thereafter conform ing; the presser against and around shoe parts on a last supported by said ack.

' 5. In a machine for uniting shoe parts, a

j ack parts on a last supported by said jack, and

means for automatically con'ipensating tor "a-rying heights of lasts.

7, Ina machine tor uniting shoe parts, a yieldable resser, a last support or jack movable toward and from the prcsser, fluid operated means for locating the jack in a predetermined position relatively to the. presser, fluid operated means for cont'orming the presseragainst and around shoe parts on a last supported by said jack, and means for automatically limiting the amount of fluid which can be supplied to the fluid operated means.

In a machine for uniting shoe parts, a flexible pad, a last holding member, means for causing relative movement of approach between the presser and member, and means constructed and arranged to operate when the bottom of the last and the pad have been moved relatively to a predetermined position, irrespective of the height of the last. to flex the pad toward the last.

9. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a last. support or jack. a stationary pressure-box, one wall of which comprises a flexible diaphragm. operator-controlled power operated means t'or moving the jack toward the diaphragm in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pressing face thereof. and means for automatically distending the diaphragm upon completion of the movement of the jack.

10. In a sole laying machine having a last support or jack and a presser. fluid operated means for operating the jack and presser. and means for automatically controlling the relative operations thereof.

11. In a sole laying machine having a last. supportor jack and a pad, fluid operated means for relatively operating the jack and pad, and means for automatically controlling the relative operation thereof, said mechanism being constructed and arranged lirst to actuate the jack to operative position and then to exert laying pressure through the medium of the pad. i

12. A sole laying machine. having in combination, a flexible diaphragm, a support for a shoe, means for producing relative movement of approach between the shoe and diaphragm to press the sole ot the shoe against the diaphragm and thereby to flex the dire phragm in one direction. a plate having an opening larger in outline than that of the bottom of the shoe. through which the lower portion of the shoe then extends so as to project beyond that side of the plate which is adjacent to the diaphragm. and fluid ope! ated means for flexing the diaphragm in the other direction to cause a narrow portion of it to be forced into the space between the shoe and the edge of the opening in the plate.

13. A sole laying machine having. in combination, a pressure box including a flexible diaphragm. a support: for a shoe, means for causing relative movement of approach between the support and the diaphragm to press the shoe against the diaphragm. means for admitting fluid under pressure into the box to wrap a portion of the diaphragm about the. lower portion of the shoe and means locited outside the diaphragm for supporting a marginal portion of the diaphragm and limiting the flexing ot' the diaphragm adjacent the toe portion of the shoe to a narrow area adjacent said too portion.

H. In a sole laying machine having a last support. or jack and a presscr. a plate movably mounted bet ween the jack and presscr. said plate. having ditierently-shapcd sole gaging openings.

15. A sole laying machine.having. in combinat-ion. a support for a lasted shoe. a presser. two gaging means. one for right and one for left soles. and means for permit ting said means to be brought into operative position alternately.

16. In a sole laying machine. pressure applying means including a box having a flexible section or pad. and means including a supply of liquid and a conduit leading from the supply to the box for keeping the box completely tilled with liquid to the exclusion of air.

17. In a sole laying machine. pressure ap-- plying means including a box having a flexible section or pad. a conduit for permitting liquid under pressure to enter the box. and means for venting the highest portion ol the box to discharge any contained air to permit liquid entering through said conduit to completely till the box.

18. In a sole laying machine. pressure applying means including a box having a flexible section or pad. means for keeping the box completely tilled with liquid during the operation of the machine. means for forcing liquid into the box and permitting it partly to escape therefrom to vary the etl'cctivc pressure of the pad section. and means for venting the highest portion of the box.

it). A sole laying machine. having, in combination, pressure applying means including a box having a flexible diaphragm, means for keeping the box at all times tilled with liquid, and operator'controlled means indemndent of said first-mentioned means for forcing more liquid into the box to distend the diaphragm.

20. In a sole laying machine, pressure applying means including a box having a flexible diaphragm, means for keeping the box tilled with liquid under varying pressures, a jack for a lasted shoe, a two-part hollow member upon which the jack is mounted, and operator controlled power operated means for moving one part of the member with respectto the other to cause the jack to move towardthe diaphragm.

21. In a sole laying machine, a liquid container having a flexible member, means for maintaining at all. times a body of liquid in the container to support the member, and power operated automatic means for alternately increasing and decreasing the volume of the liquid.

In a sole laying machine, a liquid containcr having a flexible member, means for maintaining at all times a body of liquid in the container to support the member, and means for varying the pressure exerted by the liquid on the flexible member.

23. In a sole laying machine, a liquid container having a flexible member normally flat in one direction and curved in another direction, means for maintaining at all times a body of liquid in the container to support the member, and means for increas ing and decreasing the amount of liquid in the container to distend the flexible member and permit it to return to normal shape.

24:. In a sole laying machine, a flexible pad adapted to support a solo in substantially flat condition, means for effecting pressure of the bottom of a lasted shoe on the sole whereby the pad is flexed in one diiection and the shoe and sole properly assembled, and means for thereafter exerting pressure on the pad to flex the pad in another direction and thereby to lay the sole.

25. A. sole laying machine, having, in combination, a support for a shoe, a pressure hox including a flexible diaphragm, fluid operated means for moving the support to 21rd the diaphragm, a stop for arresting movement of the support in such position that the portion of the diaphragm engaged by the sole of the shoe is spaced from the wall of the pressure box which is opposite the diaphragm, and means for thereafter admitting fluid under pressure into the box to wrap the diaphragm about the bottom of the shoe.

26. In a sole laying machine, a flexible pad, a last support or jack, means for flex ing the pad partly over the sides of a shoe upper on a last supported by said jack, and and a comparatively thin apertured plate extending around the shoe at a locality spaced both from the top and from the bottom of the shoe for restricting flexing of the pad to an area conforming to and slightly greater than the bottom oil the last.

27. In a sole laying machine, a flexible pad, a last support or jack, means for flexing the pad partly over the sides of a shoe upper on a last supported by said jack, and. means for restricting flexing of the pad to an area conforming to and slightly greater than the bottom of the last, said restricting means comprising a plate having a soleshaped opening through which the bottom ofthe shoe projects.

28. A sole laying machine con'iprising, in combination, a last support or jack, a box for fluid l'inving a flexible section or pad, means for varying the pressure of fluid within the box, and a combined sole-locating and shoe'locating member closely adjacent the outer surface of the pad.

29. A sole laying machine comprising, in con'rbination, a last srqiportor jack, a box for fluid having a flexible section or pad, means for varying the pressure of fluid within the box, and a sole-locating member closely adjacent the outer surface oi the pad, said membe" being remo-vably connected with the box to permit another mcmher having a dillerent. conformation to be substituted therefor.

30. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a last support or jack, a box for fluid having a flexible section or pad. means for varying the pressure of fluid within the box, a sole-locating member adjacent the outer surface of the pad, and means for normally holding the pad close to said member to prevent a sole edge from being inserted between said pad and locate ing member.

31. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a last support or jack, a box It or fluid having a flexible section or pad, means for varying the pressure of fluid within the box, a solc-hicating member adjacent the outer surface of the pad, a pad litter within the box, and means for causing said litter to exert a yielding pressure against the inner surface of the pad to hold the pad nor mally close to said sole-locating member.

A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, -a last support or jack, a box for fluid having a flexible section or pad,

means for varying the pressure of fluid within the box. and means independent of the pad for restricting flexing oi the pad in a direction toward the ack to a ridge con'l orun ing to the sides of a last held by said jack.

33. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a box having a longitudinally curved flexible section or pad, a similarly curved plate above the pad having a soleshaped opening, means tor 'arying pressure within the box, and a last holder or jack.

34. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a box having a longitudinally curved flexible section or pad, a similarly curved longitudinally adjustable plate above the pad having openings shaped to the outline of right and left soles, means for varying pressure within the box, and a last holder or jack.

35. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a box having a longitudinally curved flexible section or pad, a similarly curved plate above the pad having a sole shaped opening, means for varying pressure within the box, a yielding curved plate within the box to normally hold the pad up to the first-mentioned curved plate, and a last holder or jack. V

In a sole laying machine, in combination,'a last holder or jack, a sole presser, and a member for ensuring accurate positioning of a sole relatively to an upper on a last, said member having sole-edge guiding means and having also shoe guiding means located inside the outline of the sole guiding means.

37. In a sole laying machine, in combination, a last holder or jack, a sole presser, and a plate having an opening to serve as a sole guide and having last-guiding lugs mounted thereon.

' 38. In a sole laying machine, in combination, a last holder or jack, a sole presser, and a plate having an opening to serve as a sole uide and having last-guiding lugs adjusta le thereon and projecting inwardly over said opening.

39. A sole laying machine, having, in combination, a pressure box member, a portion of one Wall of which comprises a flexible diaphragm, a shoe supporting member, means for causing relative movement of approach of the members to cause the bottom of the shoe to engage the diaphragm and bend it inwardly .with respect to the box, an apcrturcd plate so located that, when the relative movement of approach ceases, the plate extends around the shoe at a locality spaced from the bottom thereof, and means for then admitting fluid under pressure into the box to force the diaphragm up around the lower side portions of the shoe.

40. In a sole laying machine, in combination, a last holder or jack, a box having a flexible section or pad normally flat transversely and curved longitudinally, and a plate in the box constructed and arranged to bear yieldingly against the inner surface of the pad to prevent said pad from assuming an irregular shape.

41. In a sole laying machine, in combination, a last holder or jack, a box having a flexible section or pad normally flat transversely and curved longitudinally, means for subjecting the pad to a variable fluid pressure, and a transversely flat and longitudinally curved perforated plate yieldingly mounted under said pad.

42. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a last support or jack, a flexible pad, fluid operated means for varying the distance between the jack and pad, and means controlled by the height of the last employed for arresting the fluid operated means.

43. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a last support or jack, a flexible pad, fluid operated means for varying the distance between the jack and pad, a stop for limiting flexing movement of the pad, and valve and pressure controlled devices for arresting relative movement of: approach of the jack and pad when the pad reaches said step.

4.4. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a last support or jack including an extensible arm, a flexible pad opposite the jack, fluid operated mean for extending the arm and flexing the pad, valve mechanism for controlling said fluid operated means, and means for preventing a supply of fluid to the pad until the arm has completed its extension.

45. A sole laying machine having, in con\ bination, a last support or jack including an extensible arm, a flexible pad opposite the jack, fluid operated n'icans for extending the arm and flexing the pad, :1 stop device to arrest extension of said arm when a last thereon has been pushed into operative position whereby the fluid pressure in said arm will be automatically increased, operator controlled valve means tor admitting fluid first to the arm and then to the pad. and means for preventing operation oi the valve means to flex the pad until the fluid pres sure in the extensible arm reaches a prcdctermined degree.

46. A sole laying machine having, in combination. a last support or jack including an extensible arm, a flexible pad opposite the jack, fluid operated means for extending the arm and flexing the pad, a stop device to arrest extension of said arm when a last thereon has been pushed into opcrativeposition whereby the fluid pressure in said arm will be automatically increased, a manually controlled valve for admitting fluid first to the arm and then to the pad, :1 stop to arrest operation of the valve at a point to admit. fluid to the extensible arm, and pressure actuated means for rendering said stop incfl'cctive when the fluid pressure in the extensible arm reaches a predetermined degree.

47. A sole laying machine havin", in combination. a last support or jack, a flexible pad, fluid operated means for flexing the pad in opposition to a last supported by the ack, valve mechanism for controlling the supply of fluid to the pad, and means for automatically actuating; the valve i'nechanism to shut oflt' said supply when the pad pressure has reached a predetermined deg 'ee.

7. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a last support or jack, a flexible pad, fluid operated means "tor flexing the pad in opposition to a last supported by the jack, a valve for controlling the fluid operated mechanism, a spring mechanism for holding said valve open or closed, and means constructed and arranged to be actuated by accun'iulating pad pressure to eflect closing of said valve.

4-9. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a last support or jack, a flexible pad, fluid operated means for flexing the pad in opposition to a last supported by the ack, a valve n'iec'hanism constructed and arranged to tend to shut ofli' the supply of liquid to the pad and open an escape therefrom when the pad has been flexed to a predetermined. degree, and means under the control of the operator for preventing the valve mechanism from actingaccording to its tendency until permitted to do so by the operator.

50. A sole laying machine haviitig, in combination, a last support or jack, a flexible pad, fluid operated means for flexing the pad in opposition to a last supported by the jack, a valve mechanism constructed and arranged to tend to shut off the supply of fluid to the pad and open an escape therefrom when the pad has been flexed to a predetermined de gree, a manually operable rod, and means carried by said rod for preventing the valve mechanism from acting according to its tendency for a period of time depending upon movement of said rod.

A machine of the class described, having, in combination, a pressure box having a portion of one wall in the form of a flexible diaphragm, a support for a lasted shoe movable toward the box, and operator controlled fluid opera-ted means for first so moving the support to press the bottom. oi the shoe against the diaphragm and for then forcing the diaphragm against the bottom and about the sides of the shoe adjacent the bottom.

52. A machine of the class described, having, in combination, a pressure box having a portion of one wall in the form of a flexible diaphragm, a support for a lasted shoe movable toward the box, a stop for limiting the extent of movement of the support and lasted shoe, and operator controlled fluid operated means l or moving the support and applying pressure inside the box to distend the diaphragm.

53. A sole laying machine, having, in combination, a last support or jack, a presser in the form of a flexible diaphragm, operator manipulated means, and fluid operated means controlled by said operator manipulated means for first moving the jack toward the diaphragm and then distending the diaphragm about the lower portion oi. the last.

a sole laying machine having a box with a flexible section or pad. hydraulic means For flexing; the pad, a valved outlet for the escape of liquid from the box. and means for retaining a predetermined volume of liquid in the box when the outlet valve is open.

In a sole laying machine having a box provided with a flexible section or pad. hydraulic means for flexing the pad, a valved outlet 'tor the escape of liquid from the box, and a water seal or trap for preventing outflow of liquid from the box after the pad assumes normal unflexed condition.

56. ln a sole laying machine having a box provided with a flexible section or pad,v hydraulic means for flexing the pad, a *alved outlet for the escape of liquid from the box, a yieldingly mounted member in the box constructed and arranged to return the pad to normal position after it has been flexed, and a water seal or trap for prevent ing access ()Il air to the box when the pad is returned to normal position by said yieldingly mounted member.

57. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a fluid container having an elastic member adapted to support a sole thereon, a jack for a lasted shoe held normally away from the container and at one side thereof so as to permit the operator to place a solo on the supporting member, and means for efl'ecting relative movement of the jack and container to bring the container beneath the jack, for causing relative movement of approach of the jack and container, and for supplying fluid to the container.

as. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a fluid container having an up- 'ardly facing elastic member adapted to support a sole thereon, a jack for a lasted shoe held normally higher than the container and at one side thereof so as to permit the operator to place a sole on the supporting member, and means for effecting relative movement of the jack and container to bring the container beneatl'r the jack. for causing relative movement of approach of the jack and container and for supplying fluid to the container.

59. A sole laying machine, having in combination. a fluid container having an upwardly facing substantially flat elastic member the surface of which is normally exposed so as to be readily accessible, means for facilitating: the placing of the sole and a lasted shoe thereon in proper relative position, a jack for the shoe held normally away froin the container, and means -For efl'eetin r relative movement of approach of the jack and container to assemble the shoe and sole, 'ior forcing a fluid medium into the container to lay the sole and for returning the jack to its normal position.

60. A sole laying machine, having in comliination', a liquid container having an upwardly facing elastic member the upper surface of which is normally exposed to permit assembling thereon of a sole and a lasted shoe, means for determining the relative positions of the sole and shoe, a body of liquid filling the space in the container below the elastic member, a jack for holding the lasted shoe, and means for forcing liquid into and allowing it to flow out of the container.

61. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a flexible presser, a jack for a last normally spaced therefrom, and valve controlled fluid operated means for causing first relative movement of approach between the jack and resser to bring them to a predeterminetf position with respect to each other and holding them in that position, for thereafter operating upon that side of the presser opposite to the side adjacent the jack to flex it about the bottom of the last and for thereafter releasing the members and permitting them to return to their normal positions.

62. In a sole laying machine, pressure applying means including a container having a flexible sole contacting member, there being a liquid tight oint between the member and the rest of the container, and pressure means for keeping the container completely filled with liquid to the exclusion of air.

63. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a flexible presser, a jack for a lasted shoe, said presser and jack being capable of relative movement of approach, a stop for limiting such movement, fluid operated means for causing such movement, and means including the fluid operated means responsive to the action of the stop for holding the ack and presser from relative movement of separation.

64. A sole laying machine, having in com bination, a flexible pad a carrier therefor, a jack for holding a lasted shoe and a sole against the pad, and operator controlled power actuated means for causing first a predetermined relative movement of approach of the jack and carrier to effect partial flexure of the pad and thereafter further flexure of the pad toward the sides of the shoe.

65. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a flexible pad, a carrier therefor, a jack for holding a lasted shoe and a sole against the pad, and operator controlled fluid operated means. for causing first a predetermined relative movement of approach of the jack and carrier to effect partial flexure of the pad and thereafter further flexure of the pad toward the sides of the shoe. 7

66. In a sole laying machine, pressure applying means including a container having a flexible section or pad, means for keeping the container filled with liquid under varying pressures and an extensible last support adapted to co-operate with the flexible sec tion.

67. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a flexible pad, means for holding a lasted shoe and a sole against the pad, means for first effecting relative movement of the pad and holding means toward each other to flex the pad, and means becoming effective after said flexure reaches a predetermined point further to flex the pad around the margin of the sole.

68. A sole laying machine comprising, in combination, a flexible pad, means for holding a lasted shoe and a sole against the pad. means for first effecting relative movement of the pad and holding means toward each other to flex the pad, means becoming effective after said flexure reaches a predetermined point further to flex the pad around the margin of the sole, and means for limiting said further flexure to a narrow area substantially conforming to the shape of said margin.

69. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a support for a lasted shoe, a presser including a fluid container having a flexible sole pressing wall, means for effecting relative movement of approach of the jack and container, means including a valve for supplying fluid to the container, and au tomatic means responsive to the rise of pressure in the container to a predetermined de gree for closing the valve.

70. A sole laying machine, having in combination, a support for a lasted shoe. a presser including a fluid container having a flexible sole pressing wall, means for effecting relative movement of approach of the jack and container. means including a valve for supplying fluid to the container. automatic means responsive to the rise of pressure in the container to a predetermined degree for closing the valve, and means whereby the degree of pressure necessary to effect closing of the valve may be varied.

71. A machine of the class described, having, in combination, a flexible diaphragm, a support for a lasted shoe, a source of supply of fluid under pressure, and means for controlling the flow of fluid first to cause relative movement of approach of the support and diaphragm and then to distend the dia phragm to cause it to press the body portion of the sole against the bottom of the lasted upper and the marginal portion of the sole against the sides of the upper.

12. A sole laying machine having. in com-- bination, a pressure box including a flexible diaphragm, a support for a shoe, means for causing relative. movement of approach between the support and the box to press lUU lll]

the bottom of the shoe into the diaphragm, means for admitting fluid under pressure into the box to Wrap a portion of the diaphragm about the lower portion of the shoe and rigid mean located outside the diaphrag m for supporting marginal portions of the diapln-agm against the fluid pressure and limiting the flexing of the diaphragm about the toe and heel portions 01 the shoe to narrow areas adjacent said toe and heel portions.

73. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a pressure box. including a flexible diaphragm, a support for a shoe, means for causing relative movement oi approach between the support and the box to press the bottom of the shoe into the diaphragn'u means for admitting fluid under pressure into the box to Wrap a portion of the diaphragm about the lower portion of the shoe, and a rigid member located outside the diaphragm and having an edge spaced slightly from and curved similarly to the contour of the bottom of the toe portion of the shoe :tor supporting a marginal portion oi? the diaphragm against the fluid pressure.

'74:. A sole laying machine having, in combination, a pressure box including aflexible diaphragm, a support for a shoe, means for causingrelative movement of approach between the support and the box to press the bottom of the shoe into the diapln'agn'i, means for admitting fluid under pressure into the box to Wrap a portion of the diaphragm about the lower portion of the shoe, and a rigid member located outside the diapl'iragm and having an edge spared slightly from and curved similarly to the contour of the bottom of the heel portion of the shoe for supporting a marginal portion of the diapliragm against the fluid pressure.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

LOUIS it. CASGRAIN. 

